Kerry Schrader & Ashlee Ammons: Revolutionizing Networking with Mixtroz

“With passion, after a dark day, you know that there is always a brighter day around the corner.”

When Kerry Schrader and Ashlee Ammons, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Mixtroz, stepped into the tech world, they weren’t just creating an app—they were redefining how people connect. With Mixtroz, they’ve turned traditional networking on its head, proving that building meaningful connections can be both seamless and transformative.

Their journey began with a shared frustration: networking events that felt impersonal and often ineffective. “We realized that people were showing up to events but leaving without having made any real connections,” Kerry recalls. “There was a clear gap, and we decided to fill it.”

Together, Kerry and Ashlee launched Mixtroz in 2015, a platform that uses technology to foster authentic interactions at events. The app matches attendees based on their answers to customized questions, creating curated, purpose-driven group conversations. Mixtroz turns awkward mingling into genuine engagement, bringing people together in ways that matter.

The idea behind Mixtroz came naturally to this powerhouse pair, who have always shared a strong bond. Kerry, with her extensive corporate background in HR and operations, and Ashlee, with her experience in events and brand management, combined their expertise to create a solution that seamlessly bridges technology and human connection.

“We call ourselves accidental tech entrepreneurs,” Ashlee admits with a laugh. “We didn’t have a background in coding or tech startups, but we had a vision and the determination to make it happen.”

That determination was put to the test as they navigated the challenges of building a tech company as Black women in a predominantly white and male-dominated industry. The journey required not only grit but also resilience in the face of systemic barriers.

Kerry reflects on their early struggles: “There were moments when doors were closed, and it felt like people didn’t take us seriously. But we decided that no wasn’t an option—we were going to find a way.”

And find a way, they did. In 2018, the pair pitched Mixtroz on the national television show The Big Idea and secured $100,000 in funding. That pivotal moment not only gave their startup the boost it needed but also put them on the radar as innovators to watch.

Since then, Mixtroz has been implemented at conferences, corporate events, and universities across the country. The app has proven to be a game-changer, particularly in a world where connection is more valuable than ever.

“Post-pandemic, people crave meaningful interactions,” Ashlee explains. “Mixtroz isn’t just about networking—it’s about fostering community and breaking down barriers.”

What sets Kerry and Ashlee apart is their ability to lead with empathy. As a mother-daughter team, they prioritize values like trust, mutual respect, and open communication in their business. These principles not only guide their company’s mission but also serve as a testament to their unique partnership.

“We lean on each other’s strengths,” Kerry shares. “Ashlee brings creativity and energy, while I bring structure and strategy. Together, we’re unstoppable.”

Their success story has been celebrated in major publications, and they’ve become sought-after speakers on entrepreneurship, diversity in tech, and breaking glass ceilings. Yet, what remains most important to them is the impact they’re making in the lives of others.

For Ashlee, hearing how Mixtroz has transformed networking experiences is the greatest reward. “When people tell us that Mixtroz helped them land a job, close a deal, or make a lifelong friend, it reminds us why we do this.”

Kerry and Ashlee’s journey is a shining example of resilience and innovation. They’ve taken challenges and turned them into opportunities, paving the way for other women, particularly women of color, to step into the tech space.

As featured in She Wins Magazine, their story is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when you combine vision, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference.

“To us, winning isn’t just about success,” Kerry says. “It’s about leaving a legacy of impact and showing others that they, too, can transform challenges into triumphs.”

With Mixtroz, Kerry Schrader and Ashlee Ammons have not only built a successful business but also created a movement that proves authentic connection is always in style. Together, they are leading with purpose, building with strength, and inspiring a generation of women to think bigger, dream bolder, and never stop striving for more.

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